The basic instructions for completing a legal form, where information must be placed on the form, and the definition of legal terms used on a form constitute the provision of legal information. Giving instructions to a person on how to frame information in a legal document or form, or advising the person on what to say in court, is providing legal advice. [12] [1] Similarly, the application of laws and principles to a particular issue and advice on conduct are almost always considered legal advice. [1] Created by FindLaw`s team of writers and legal writers| Last updated: 20 June 2016 Legal advice is usually provided in return for financial compensation or other significant remuneration. Free advice is usually referred to as pro bono publico (in the public interest) or simply pro bono. In some countries, legal advice depends on the possession of a specific licence; In others, it is simply subject to the general regulation of professional obligations and can be provided by any person, who is usually legally responsible for the advice offered. The UK`s Legal Services Act 2007 covers legal advice as part of the definition of unrestricted legal activities, meaning that it can be provided by any person and not just by a judicial official. [7] However, if provided by a lawyer or other person authorized by one of the front-line legal services regulators, this activity falls within their regulatory scope. [8] Legal information, on the other hand, can be provided by anyone familiar with the law. It is simply an explanation of what the law is, without applying it to your particular situation, and leaves it up to you to decide how you want to proceed. Given the cost of hiring a lawyer, it`s good to know when you need legal advice and when you simply need legal information.
Legal advice is different from legal information, which is the repetition of legal facts. [10] Legal information may be provided by means of a parking meter, sign or other forms of notice, such as a warning from an enforcement officer. Specific legal information issues may include: There is also legal advice for specific groups. Veterans and enlisted military personnel can get help from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Americans with disabilities can contact the National Disability Rights Network, seniors can find legal services specific to elder care, and those with pensions can contact the Center for Retirement Rights. This legal term article is a heel. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. Depending on the situation, legal advice and information may be helpful. While some situations require the advice of a lawyer – such as filing a lawsuit or defending criminal charges – other situations may simply warrant obtaining legal information. Read the definitions of areas of practice for legal information on a specific topic or look for a lawyer in your area for legal advice on a specific legal issue. Legal information is appropriate in many other situations. If you`re wondering whether a particular action is abstract or not, regardless of your specific situation, legal information will probably suffice.
Legal information is generally general and does not apply to a specific issue. If you are looking for legal advice, you may see sources claiming to provide legal information, which is not the same thing. Here are the main differences between the two: Unlike legal information – such as information on a road sign – legal advice suggests a specific course of action that a client should take. For example, the difference between telling someone what to do (legal advice) and how to do it (legal information) is the difference between telling someone what to do (legal information). Here are some questions you may want to ask a lawyer you have turned to for legal advice so that you can feel comfortable in their position to give advice and represent you later: Legal advice is the act of giving professional or formal advice about the content or procedure of the law in relation to a particular factual situation. Legal advice often involves analyzing a number of facts and advice to a person on how to take a particular course of action based on applicable law. [1] [2] Unlike legal information, legal advice refers to written or oral legal assistance in a legal matter that would adversely affect the rights and obligations of the person receiving the notice. In addition, real legal advice requires careful analysis of the law as it applies to a person`s particular situation – as opposed to speculation based on general facts. Printed legal documents such as instructions and instructions are generally not considered legal advice.
Therefore, instructions on how to comply with court requirements for submitting forms and other court documents do not constitute legal advice. [1] For example, a non-lawyer may sell legal forms, give general instructions on how to complete the forms, and provide typing services to enter information into the forms, unless legal advice is given. [3] [11] As you can see, legal advice should not be taken lightly. Whether it`s creating a legal contract or finding a lawyer to help you with civil litigation, it`s important to talk to someone who has the license and work experience you need. Not all legal advice is subject to a fee. For example, you may be entitled to free legal aid from a court-appointed lawyer or public defender if you have been charged with a crime and are going to jail. You may also be eligible for free legal aid if you are considered „destitute,” as determined by a judge. In the case of indigent representation, you may have to partially reimburse the court for the costs of legal services provided to you. Depending on your area of law, you may also be eligible for free legal aid. Some websites can immediately put you in touch with a lawyer to answer some basic questions for free, but they often require payment for more in-depth advice or answers to more complex questions. You can get legal advice from Legal Aid lawyers, low-cost legal clinics or private law firms. For help finding a lawyer, visit LawCentral Alberta.
Brandon is a great lawyer® from Texas, which means he`s in the top 2.5% of lawyers in his state. He designed his firm to provide businesses and entrepreneurs with a unique ecosystem of legal support services, derived from his experience as a federal district attorney, published biochemist, and industry speaker. Brandon is fluent in Spanish, an Eagle Scout and is actively involved with youth in his community. He likes to advocate for his clients and believes he will never decide to retire. You may be surprised to learn that there are many resources available to you to get legal advice tailored to your situation.